This summer, be a part of SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition and pitch your business to a panel of industry experts.
Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your innovation and secure the support you need to succeed!
This application closed on July 31.
PREMIER SPONSOR
SCORE’s 60th Anniversary Pitch Competitions promise to be an electrifying celebration of innovation and entrepreneurship. These competitions are designed for small business owners who want to improve their presentation and selling skills.
Participants will gain valuable insights and guidance from SCORE mentors and industry experts, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver a compelling pitch for this event and for prospective customers and investors. This event promises inspiration, networking opportunities, and a chance to witness groundbreaking ideas take flight.
Don’t miss out on:
- Pitch Competition: Watch finalists from across the country showcase their innovative businesses.
- Networking: Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders.
- Celebration: Commemorate 60 years of SCORE’s impact in fostering small business success.
Join us as we look forward to the next 60 years of empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses. Click on the city name to register for upcoming events:
- Philadelphia, PA - Wednesday, August 28
- Des Moines, IA - Thursday, September 12th
- Online/Virtual Competition - September 17, 18, and 19
- Los Angeles, CA - Thursday, September 26th
Houston, TX - Thursday, October 3rd
Three winners will be selected from each of the competitions.
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, the top three pitches will receive a grant for their businesses:
- 1st place and 2nd place: donated by Global Atlantic Financial Group
- 3rd place: donated by Principal
These competitions are not just about winning; they're designed to help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to elevate your business, while also providing an opportunity to secure growth funding.
Step 1: Watch the Pitch Training Webinars
The pitch program includes three educational webinars for small business owners to learn how to pitch, get funding and grow their businesses. Register now for these live and on-demand webinars:
You can also watch the on-demand SCORE webinar, "How to Create a Product Pitch That Sells."
Step 2: Apply and Prepare
Applications closed July 31, 2024.
In this application, you'll share key details about your product or service business.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by an expert panel. If approved, you'll be paired with a SCORE Pitch Expert who will review your application and provide tips for a strong pitch presentation.
You don't need to have your pitch ready yet. Your mentor will assist you in creating it.
Step 3: Record Your Pitch
Create a 2-3 minute video presenting your best business pitch. This video will be reviewed by a panel of judges who will select the top ten submissions in each of the four locations to progress to the final round, plus the top business pitches for the virtual competition.
Ensure your video pitch is engaging and concise and showcases the unique value of your product or service.
Step 4: Pitch Your Business Live
If selected as a finalist, you will be invited to present in front of a live audience and judging panel to compete for a financial award for your business.
You can present your live pitch in one of the four host cities—Philadelphia, Houston, Los Angeles or Des Moines—or you can present it virtually.
Don’t miss out on your chance to master the art of persuasion and become a success story!
Meet the Judges
Global Atlantic Financial Group
Global Atlantic Financial Group is a leading insurance company meeting the retirement and life insurance needs of individuals and institutions. With a strong financial foundation and risk and investment management expertise, the company delivers tailored solutions to create more secure financial futures. The company's performance has been driven by its culture and core values focused on integrity, teamwork and the importance of building long-term client relationships. Global Atlantic is a wholly-owned subsidiary of KKR, a leading global investment firm. Through its relationship, the company leverages KKR's investment capabilities, scale and access to capital markets to enhance the value it offers clients. KKR's parent company is KKR & Co. Inc. (NYSE: KKR).
Click the links below to access materials for the event:
- Educational webinars to help you develop your pitch:
- Send questions to pitchevent@scorevolunteer.org
SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition awarded 15 small business owners from across the U.S. $175,000 in prize money, national exposure, invaluable networking and one-on-one mentoring.
To learn more or access event photography, view or download the event press kits below.
To schedule interviews with winners of the competition, finalists, mentors, or representatives from SCORE, please contact teamscore@redbanyan.com.
For more information about SCORE, recent press releases or small business data, visit SCORE’s media resources.
Definition
The 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition (Hereafter "pitch competition") is designed for small business owners who want to improve their presentation and selling skills. Participants will receive valuable insights and guidance from SCORE mentors and industry experts, ensuring they are well-prepared to deliver a compelling pitch for this event and prospective customers and investors.
Location
SCORE will host five pitch competitions across the country. The competitions will be held in the following locations: Philadelphia, PA; Houston, TX; Des Moines, IA; Los Angeles, CA; Online (Virtual Competition).
Eligibility Criteria
The pitch competition is open to all applicants who meet the following criteria:
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The applicant must be 18 years of age or older.
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The applicant must have an operating business. Applicants in the prestart, concept or ideation stage of business will not be considered.
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The applicant's existing business must be based within the US.
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The applicant must not participate in any other SCORE's 60th Anniversary Pitch Competition.
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The applicant must submit their application by the given pitch competition deadline.
Additionally, each participant must be a SCORE client or prospective client to be eligible to receive an award. All applicants will be paired with a mentor to meet these criteria.
Judging Criteria
The judges will evaluate your pitch on the following criteria:
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Great presentation
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Great brand identification
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Great product/service
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Fully thought-out business plan for success
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A clear pathway to scalability and growth
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Product/service is unique and viable to the market
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Sustainability/environmental/ social impact, if applicable
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Financial results
Rating/Scoring System
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Well above standard. Outstanding execution: content and/or strategies are comprehensive, thoughtful, and very well-researched.
★ ★ ★ ★ Above standards. Well executed; content and/or strategies are developed, clear and well researched.
★ ★ ★ Meets standards. Includes essential components; content and/or strategies are evident; most components are relatively clear and researched.
★ ★ Below standards. Missing essential components; content and/or strategies are not evident; components are unclear; does not contain relevant content or research.
★ Well below standards. Major flaws or section missing.
Award Availability and Distribution
Three (3) winners will be selected from each of the competitions.
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1st place receives a $20,000 grant.
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2nd place receives a $10,000 grant.
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3rd place receives a $5,000 grant.
Awards and prizes will be distributed by the sponsors.
Disclaimers and Releases
Confidentiality - SCORE, its members, affiliates, and participants do not guarantee protection of the confidential information and plans presented at the pitch competition. As such, any information a contestant considers confidential should not be presented at the pitch competition.
Endorsement - Any funding or investments from the pitch competition are not sponsored or endorsed by SCORE or its affiliates. Contestants are responsible for completing their due diligence before accepting any such funding.
Liability - Contestants agree to indemnify and hold harmless SCORE, its members, its affiliates and its representatives from and against any liabilities, losses, and expenses arising from their registration and participation in the pitch competition or from any funding or investments resulting from the Pitch Contest.
Photo Waiver - By providing your electronic signature on the pitch application, you permit SCORE to:
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Release information in the pitch application and any attachments to publicly share news of your relationship with SCORE and your small business successes.
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Contact you for possible media/interview opportunities to promote small business successes and SCORE’s assistance to your success.
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Use your name, business name, images, videos, quotes, and other provided information for national or local marketing campaigns, materials, and messaging.
